Bostock's Dream Debut Hat-Trick Fires Kangaroos Past Kiwis 24-22 in World Cup Opener

The 2026 Rugby League World Cup exploded into life in Sydney, and it took a debutant to steal the show. Australia edged New Zealand 24-22 in a classic tournament opener at Allianz Stadium, with Kangaroos debutant Jack Bostock announcing himself on the world stage with a hat-trick crowned by the match-winning try in the 75th minute.

The Kiwis looked the better side for long stretches. Twenty-year-old centre Casey McLean finished acrobatically in the fourth minute to open the scoring, and when Kalyn Ponga — himself making his New Zealand debut after switching allegiance — crossed twice, the visitors led 22-16 with 20 minutes to play.

But Australia's champion quality showed when it mattered. Bostock's first try came from a 90-metre intercept of a Jahrome Hughes pass in the 20th minute, and Tom Trbojevic repeated the trick from the other wing just before halftime. Reece Walsh, chosen ahead of James Tedesco at fullback, produced a breathtaking solo try, rounding Ponga and Hughes to go the distance, and later made a try-saving tackle on Ponga to protect the lead. Walsh converted two of four kicks.

The victory came at a cost on both sides. Ponga was forced from the field with a suspected broken arm, cutting short a sensational two-try debut, while Australian halfback Mitchell Moses finished under an injury cloud. The win extends Australia's dominance as reigning champions into the four-week tournament's opening weekend.